Photos and information about Arezzo and province

The Mecca of the antique dealers.

Piero della Francesca is the most famous painter in this city region. His frescoes and magnificent fresco cycles decorate the church of San Francesco, among others, and is now one of the most important art cities in Tuscany.
It is not Michelangelo, who was born in the small town of Caprese near Arezzo, but called and signed himself as 'Fiorentinus' from an early age, who is the focus of art and church painting here. Arezzo, like many of the wonderful, unique cities in Tuscany, offers a wide range of churches and true gems of Italian church painting. It also offers a good insight into the former Etruscan period through the “Museo Archeologico Mecenate” and the amphitheater.

There is something for everyone in this gem of a city. But for the antique lover, there is only one date and it takes place on the first weekend of the month around the “Piazza Grande” and its streets: The largest antique market in Tuscany!

On the first Sunday in September there is a very colorful, lively spectacle on the streets of Arezzo: “La Giostra del Saracino” – Saracen play with colorful costumes and processions. Yes and what you definitely shouldn't miss, dear Italy lover: the city festival “Sagra della Bistecca” - the festival of Tuscan gastronomy on the 14th/15th. August. A real feast for the palate and a feast on a 14 km long grill!! PURE ITALY! Definitely go if you are in the area!

Located on a rocky slope, the medieval ski jump site sits enthroned right above the upper Tiber Valley and offers a wonderful view far into the country. The main square is terraced and is dominated by a monument to the great freedom fighter Garibaldi. From here, an arched passage built in the 19th century leads to Piazza IV Novembre, where there is both the city theater and a chapel commemorating the victims of the First World War. On the other side of the main square, a few winding alleys lead up to the old town center, where many picturesque details can be discovered on a walk next to the medieval church of S. Agostino. Anghiari was founded by Camaldolese monks who drained the marshy Tiber valley and diverted the river in the 1th century.

This friendly, small hamlet with a castle bears its most famous son in its name: on March 6, 1475, Michelangelo Buonarrotti, a famous sculptor and artist who would later be revered as a universal genius, was born here. The master's birthplace today shows a photo documentation of his most important works and also illustrates his career using paintings by various Florentine painters from the 17th century. Copies of sculptural works by Michelangelo himself are exhibited in the neighboring castle ruins alongside some contemporary examples of sculpture. The small town is idyllically located on a hilltop and is an ideal location for excursions into the surrounding area.

The city of Cortona and its sights are considered a treasure trove of antiques. From the end of August to the end of September, a fair for antique furniture takes place in the “Palazzo Vagnotti”.

And last but not least, a true idyll, about 10 km from Cortona, Lake Trasimeno. In this wonderful corner of Italy you can switch off and find peace, because the beautiful landscape including the lake (surrounded by green hills and forests) will “capture” you in no time. You won't forget the intense impressions for a long time!

After so much splendor and beauty, it is definitely worth visiting the dreamy monasteries “La Verna” - the Assisi of Tuscany (30 km north) and the “Farneta” monastery 30 km south. With the lovely priest and abbot “Don Sante Felice” – who describes himself as the “last Etruscan”. Getting a guided tour is highly recommended!

Translated, the name of the place means “holy grave”. According to legend, pilgrims who returned from the Holy Land with relics from the tomb of Christ settled here. Seven city gates lead into the rectangular medieval old town surrounded by a wall. In the center are Piazza Torre di Berta and the majestic cathedral. Here you should admire Perugino's famous painting of the Ascension. The small town also offers a number of attractive 18th century palazzi and, as the birthplace of the painter Piero della Francesca, is the repository of some of his major works. It remains to be mentioned that Sansepolcro is very well known for its goldsmithing. You should definitely take a look at the shop windows of the many jewelers!